Use Case: Nonprofit Capacity Building
using the shared services organization model to build nonprofit capacity
How to provide comprehensive support to nonprofits
Nonprofits face new challenges everyday–especially in the back office. To meet the administrative needs of nonprofit organizations, we used the Shared Services Organization Model to create a Collaborative Network of vetted, high-quality, small businesses and consultants that provide holistic, fractional operational and administrative services at affordable, standardized rates.
The Hypatia Collaborative assesses the needs of nonprofit clients to inform custom service plans, coordinates these services and their providers, manages the procurement process, and utilizes a custom database to track invoices, service assignments, and client outcomes.
60+
Nonprofit Clients
41
Small Businesses & Consultants
Our Collaborative Network Services
Capacity-Building Services for Nonprofits
Program Management
Our network provides comprehensive services that include program design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
Financial Management
Accounting, payroll, and other financial activities are needed to provide comprehensive financial management to our nonprofit clients.
Grant Writing
In collaboration with clients, we help identify grants, create funding databases and reports, write and edit grant applications, and develop programs and evaluations.
Communications & Marketing
Training and workshops are provided to clients that cover media relations, media training, communications planning, and writing press releases.
Technology & Database
As a client of Hypatia, you will have access to a comprehensive database to manage your services, administrative activities, and so much more! We also provide IT support and tech consulting.
Legal & Government Affairs
Need legal assistance? Clients have access to legal consultation and government affairs assistance to further their mission.
Leadership Training & Development
Sustainable capacity-building is built on professional development and leadership training for nonprofit boards, leaders, and staff.
Strategic Planning, Assessment, & Development
Organizations need roadmaps to achieve their missions and visions. We can provide strategic planning, assessment, and development for clients.
Inclusive Excellence & Belonging Training
Our dedication to equity in our communities extends into our work with our clients.
Learn more about our award-winning St. Petersburg Nonprofit Capacity Building Pilot
✓ innovative public-private partnership
✓ 3-year pilot
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this project funded?
The St. Petersburg Nonprofit Capacity Building SSO Project is funded by American Rescue Plan Act dollars. The City of St. Petersburg received these funds in 2022 and the Pinellas Community Foundation is the contract administrator.
How long do nonprofits get services?
Each nonprofit receives 18 months of services from the time they are approved to be in the cohort. Paid clients receive 12 months of services.
How do you determine which services each client receives?
Each client goes through an intake process that includes a Nonprofit Needs Assessment that evaluates their administrative and operational capacity. This data is used to determine initial services and create a baseline for outcome metrics.
How does the billing process work?
Each service provider bills The Hypatia Collaborative for services rendered by each client. For this project, the Pinellas Community Foundation pays Hypatia to manage the project and pay for client services. Hypatia coordinates and manages the service assignments, client budget, and invoicing.
How do you measure project and client success?
We use our Nonprofit Needs Assessment data to measure capacity building process over the 18 months of service for each client and cohort to measure both project and client success. Clients can also designate individual metrics for success.
Why did you choose a cohort model?
Using a cohort model allows for gradual, data-driven service provider recruitment, process evaluation feedback implementation, and can foster peer-to-peer support amongst cohort members.
Have additional questions?
Contact our office to learn more about the Shared Services Organization Model for nonprofit capacity building.